|
|
A-Designs
Audio EM-Silver Description
The EM-Silver has a custom wound
steel output transformer which will translate into a darker sound than the P-1,
EM-Red, and EM-Blue. We find the EM-Silver to be a very good match with “Ribbon
Microphones”. This is a good combination due to the fact that steel
transformers were widely used in the early days of recording and broadcast
along with ribbon microphones.
It depends on which ribbon
you have or use which will determine the sound/color/flavor you will receive.
With today’s influx of
ribbon microphones there is a wide choice of character range available for you
to determine which tone you are looking for or need.
Another feature of the
EM-Silver is a “DI” (direct inject) for use with electric instruments. We find
that this is a great pre for Bass Guitar and Keyboards. Also, you may like to
try the EM-Silver (depending on microphone) for your “kick” when recording
drums! This is a very versatile tool for any recording situation.
A-Designs
Audio EM-Silver Specifications
1.
-20dB Pad
2.
Phase
3.
48v Phantom
4.
Cast aluminum knob
5.
Thumb Screws (for easy install and un-install)
6.
Solid construction
7.
Custom Wound Transformers (input and output)
8.
Original Design (no CLONES)
9.
Red LED indicator for Phantom power
When
developing our product(s) A Designs Audio feels the need to place units into
the hands of both the professional and the average end user. In doing so, we
have learned from their experiences and they have passed valuable information
on to us. This helps us to produce a product with pride of craftsmanship and
knowing we helped, in some way, to continue to inspire the art of creating and
recording. So, no matter what your needs are for recording the perfect sound, A
Designs Audio can help you by providing a solid tool to contribute to the job.
|
A Designs EM Series Preamp Reviews /
See
All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page
Based on the
Pacifica’s design (very Quad
Eight / Electrodyne-ish) these transformer in and out preamps have subtle
character and a nice depth and tone to them that is useful on really anything.
The differences between them aren’t night and day, but it’s very nice to be
able to reach for a more specific sound if you are into preamp collections and
reaching for different ones depending on the source and context. The input
transformers are before the DI input as well, for more character. All of the
units are 500 series compatible and of course require the 500HR power supply or
other (API Lunchbox, etc).
P1: Closest in sound to the
Pacifica, the output transformer is the only real difference (due to size, the
Pacifica transformer could not
fit in this box). The
Pacifica sounds a touch bigger by comparison, the P1 essentially fills the same
bill beyond that. Tight bottom end response, smooth midrange that stays up
front nicely, and upper mids that bring more presence and definition in the
mix, and a natural but detailed top. Depth and dimension are there as well.
EM BLUE: My favorite of the A
Designs 500 series, the EM BLUE delivers sparkle and a ‘forgiving’ sound on
everything. The BLUE delivers a similar tight bottom end response, and the mids
/ low-mids are gentle pulled back for a very clean sound that isn’t overly
“scooped”, the top end brings a gentle air to things that always stays smooth
but present. I just found it to give an enriched presentation of more things.
EM RED: Funny enough, I like to call
the RED the “U47” of preamps. At least it sort of delivers what you expect in a
U47 variation: big low end, forward low-mid and midrange info, and a darker top
with a touch of electricity to it. Talk about punch, it’s accented right in the
gut range and has a big, slightly rounded sound overall.
EM SILVER: This module has one of
the more specific sounds to it, a definite curve to its response. The low end
is big, deep and round, the low-mids are scooped back out of the way, the upper
mids come back in a present sort of way, then the top end gentle drops off a
bit again in a natural way. One of the few preamps I would say is sort of made
for kick drum use.
EM GOLD: There is something mellow
going on here with this transformer combination. The mids are extremely easy on
the ears, transients are dealt with in a rounded way, and the bottom end is
more of a creamy response rather than boomy or aggressive. For more vibe the
GOLD gets my vote.
|
|
|
|
|